Light-weight shoe construction



May 29, 1962 J. H. GROSSMAN 3,036,390

LIGHT-WEIGHT SHOE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 27, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l J. H. GROSSMAN LIGHT-WEIGHT May 29, 1962 SHOE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 27, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 i Mey.

United States Patent @ffice 3,036,396 Patented May 29, 1962 3,636,390 LIGHT-WElGHT SHOE CONSTRUCTION erome H. Grossman, Bangor, Maine, assigner to PenobscfoVIShoe Company, Old Town, Maine, a corporation o ame Filed July 27, 1961, Ser. No. 127,347 S Claims. (Cl. 36-195) This invention relates to footwear, and while applicable to various types of shoes, slippers, and the like, finds particular advantage when utilized in the formation and fabrication of light weight shoes such as, for example, tliat type of womans shoe commonly known as a S at.

Various types of methods have heretofore been suggested for use in making footwear articles, and moreover, a multitude of different construction features have heretofore been suggested, and incorporated in, shoes, slippers, and the like. Notwithstanding the existing techniques, structures, and suggestions, the shoe industry is constantly in search of improved techniques7 methods and structures which provide :a footwear article that is simple and inexpensive in manufacture, durable in use, flexible and light in nature, comfortable for the wearer, and in addition, attractive in appearance particularly when applied to a ladies shoe.

The present invention is directed to providing an improved footwear construction which possesses all of the aforesaid desirable characteristics. More specifically, a primary object of the present invention -is to provide an improved shoe, slipper, or Ithe like (hereinafter generically referred to as shoe or shoes) which is readily adapted to be manufactured inexpensively and with existing equipment, and which in addition possesses the characteristics of great flexibility, lightness, and attractive appearance.

A further, yet even more specic object of the present invention is to provide an improved shoe construction which eliminates the use of the normal inner-sole and replaces the saine with a flexible sock lining.

Still further, the invention has as one of its important objects the provision of an improved shoe conforming with the preceding objects and incorporating a hidden compressible element adapted to underlie the foot of the wearer and afford great comfort in use.

The invention lies in the combination, construction, arrangement and disposition of the Vrespective component parts of a shoe constructed in -accordance herewith, as will be more fully appreciated after considering the following detailed description. Such description refers to the annnexed drawings presenting preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a plan view partially broken away and partially in section of a shoe constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of -sheet stock blanks of the type preferably used to form the shoe of FlGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view, partially in section, of the underside of the sock liner and cushioning member or element incorporated in the shoe presented in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view, partially broken away, and partially in section of the underside of the shoe presented in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 5 isa sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1 and presenting in detail the arrangement and disposition of the various components of the shoe in the toe section thereof; and

FIGURE 6 is a fragmental sectional view taken on the -line 6-6 of FIGURE l and presents in some detail` the arrangement and disposition of the various components of the shoe in the heel section thereof.

If reference is now made to the figures, it will be noted that the shoe shown therein is generally designated by the numeral 2. Such shoe includes a body portion or upper 4, sock lining 6, outsole 8, and heel member 10 attached to and depending from the sole. The particular form of shoe shown is a ladies flan but it should be understood from the outset, as suggested above, that the invention may be applied to other Itypes of shoes, Slippers, or the like, and that the term shoe as used herein is intended to be generic in describing the various types of footwear to which the invention is applicable.

The body portion 4 of the shoe, as best shown in FIG- URE 2, comprises a toe section generally designated by the numeral 12 and side sections generally designated by numerals 14 and 16. The side sections 14 and 16 extend rearwardly of the toe section 12 and in spaced relation to one another. The side section 16 is preferably formed by stitching together the forward edge 19 of blank 20, and the rear edge 17 of the side portion 18 which projects rearwardly of the toe section 12. It will be noted that the toe section 12, side section 14, and portion 18 of side section 16 are, as shown, formed as `an integral blank of sheet stock. The blank '20, which, when joined to the portion 1S, completes the rear part of side section 16, is preferably formed as a blank from the same sheet stock. While it is preferable to use the separate blanks described to form the body section 4, so as to facilitate fabrication, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the body section 4 can be for-med in various ways, and that it can comprise a single blank, or a plurality of joined blanks.

Regardless of the particular manner of formation, the body portion 4 is preferably notched as at 24 and 26, i.e.` the body portion 4 is notched at the outer junction of the forward toe section 12 and the adjacent por-tions of the side sections. Moreover, the body portion 4 is preferably formed so as to have marginal portions or peripheral strip sections 2S, 30 and 32 which respectively surround the outer face ofthe forward section 12, and extend along the rear end portions of the side sections 14 and 16 in offset relation to the central section of the body 4. Such marginal portions or peripheral strip sections are of course formed integrally with the associated blank or blanks, and the term offset as used herein refers to the fact that such marginal portions or strips interrupt the continuity in contour between the central section of the body 4 and the respective forward and rear end p01'- tions or sections thereof.

The upper of the shoe shown in FIGURE l is formed from the body portion 4, as well as from the sock liner or lining 6. The lining 6 is presented in phantom in FIGURE 2, which although not drawn to exact scale, shows generally the respective dimensions of the lining as compared with the dimensions of the body portion 4. As most clearly shown in FIGURE 3, the lining 6 has an arrowhead-shaped forward end section 34, a heelshaped rear end section 36, and an elongate central section 3S connecting the forward end section 34 with the rear end section 36. The central section 33 includes the shank portion 40 adapted in use to extend under the arch portions of the wearers foot, andthe ball portion 42 adapted in use to be engaged by the ball of the foot of the wearer. The ball portion 42 of the central section 38 extends from the forward section 34 of the liner 6 to the shank portion 40 of central section 38, and is wider than the comparatively narrow shank portion 40. It will be noted however, that the ball portion 42 while having an outwardly curved contour as it extends from the shank portion 4d forward, is somewhat narrower than the rear end of the forwmd section 34 of the liner 6. Similarly, the shank portion 4d is substantially narrower than the heel section 36 of the liner.

The liner is shown in FIGURE 3 as having a compres-A scribed in more formed as an stances, 1t may lining materials. In any event, however, the liner sheet stock is more liexible than the body stock according to the preferred embodiments thereof.

Before upper 4 of the shoe is joined to the liner 6 thereof and the parts are assembled in the manner deand provides reinforcement. Y

The body portion or upper 4 is first joined with the liner 6 by securing the respective outer edges 13 and 1S preferably achieved by means ofV stitching, and is performed such that the finished face of the liner 6 is directed inwardly of the finished shoe, and the finished face of the body 4 is the outside surface of the shoe.

Upon completion of the ste peripheral edge of the forward section 34 of the lining 6. In the preferred embodiment, wherein the pads 60 and 62 are incorporated, the folded-over peripheral edge of the section 12 is secured to the underside of the counter. When suoh securing s completed, a toe receiving area 70 exists at the front of the shoe having its top and side walls defined by the forward section 12 of the body 4 and its bottom wall defined by the forward section 34 of the liner 6.

In a similar manner, the peripheral edges 30 and 32 or marginal strips of the end portions of the side sections 14 and 16 of the body adjacent therheel wall are folded-over and secured below the outer peripheral edges of the rear end Vsection 36 of the liner. Again, when according to the preferred embodiment a pad element such as that vdesignated by the numeral 62 is used, the folded-over marginal portions 32 and 30' are secured to a-nd below the underside of such pad element. Of course, during the folding and securing operations the parts are smoothed. The notches 24 and 26 in the body portion 4 are specifically provided so as to allow for smoothing during the folding and securing operations. Securing of the folded-over sections is obtained preferably by cementing the components.

After the side sections of the body 4 are secured to the liner in the aforesaid manner, such sections define side walls of the shoe extending from the toe receiving areas to the upstanding heel wall provided by joining the edges 21 and V23 together. Y

The assembly comprising the body portion 4, the liner 6, and the pad elements 60 and 62 if desired, provides an upper which is readily adapted to have a suitable sol 38 of the liner. The

and heel attached thereto.

ternatively, the liner can be attached in advance to the underside of the lining if the same is desirable in particular fabrication processes. As best shown in FIGURE 4, the compressible mem-ber 44 is dimensioned to cover the underside of the liner 6 and yet terminate adjacent the folded-over peripheral edges or marginal strips 28, 3l) and 32. Due to the folding over and securing operation performed in accordance herewith, the lower side of such folded-over portions are vertically spaced from the respective pads 60 and 62 by a ydistance equal to the thickness of the folded-over portions. The compressible member is preferably at least as thick -as this distance andV preferably slightly thicker than such distance. The compressible member, however, does not cover the foldedover portion and thus in a sense lills the normally existing gap.

The outsole 8 carrying the compressible member 44 thereon is preferably secured to the shoe upper by means of cement carried along the edges thereof extending laterally of the compressible member 44 and contacting the corresponding portions of the underside of the upper. The outsole covers the toe and heel sections of the lining and also covers and extends laterally of the jointures between the side sections 14 and 16 and the central section heel member 10 is attached to the outsole 8 in any conventional manner to complete the shoe.

While not specifically stated hereinabove., it is desirable v in most instances to provide some type of shank stitiener.

Accordingly, a shoe constructed in accordance with the The reinforcing member may comprise, for example, a wood strip, plastic strip, or the like, and preferably such strip is disposed between the outsole and the compressible member 44. The strip 80, as shown, extends under the heel section and shank portion of the lining 6 to provide adequate support.

The body portion 4 has been described generally hereinabove and no specific mention has been m-ade of providing conventional finishing expedients thereon.

understood that a suitable on such body portion. Similarly, a conventional heel liner Ycan be coupled to the heel portion of the upper at any suitable operating time so that the same will form a part of the completed shoe.

After reading the foregoing detailed description, it should be apparent that the invention provides a light weight shoe affording great flexibility, and having no inner sole forming a part thereof. It should also be apparent that the shoe provided hereby affords great comfort due to the incorporation of the compressible member 44 between the sock lining and the sole. It should also be apparent that the various objects set forth at the outset of this specification have been successfully achieved.

While preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention have been presented in the drawing and described in detail above, modifications other than those specifically suggested may occur to those of ordinary skill in the `art after reading such description. Accordingly, what is claimed is:

l. A shoe comprising an upper having a toe section and side sections extending rearwardly thereof in spaced relation to one another, a exible sock lining having an arrowhead-shaped forward end section, a heel-shaped rear end section, and an elongate central section connecting said forward end section with said rear end section, said side sections of said upper being joined together at the rear ends thereof to define an upstanding heel wall, said side sections having their respective outer edges joined directly to the respective opposite edges of the central section of said sock lining, said toe section of said upper having the peripheral edges thereof folded under and secured below the outer peripheral edges of said forward end section of said lining to define a toe receiving area above said forward end section of said sock lining, the lower peripheral edges of the end portions of said side sections of said body adjacent said heel wall being foldedunder and secured below the outer peripheral edges of said rear end section of said sock lining, said side sections of said upper when so joined and secured defining side walls extending fromv the toe receiving area to said upstanding heel wall, an outsole secured to said upper and covering said toe and heel sections of said lining and also covering and extending laterally of the jointures between said side sections and said central section of said lining, and a heel member secured to said outsole below the portion thereof covering said heel section of said liner.

2. A shoe as dened in claim l and further including a compressible member disposed between said lining and said sole, said compressible member being dimensioned to cover said liner and terminate adjacent said foldedover peripheral edges.

3. A shoe as defined in claim 2 wherein said compressible member comprises a blank of foam cushion material.

4. A shoe as defined in claim 3 and further including a toe pad covering the underside of said toe section of said liner and being disposed between said toe section of said liner and said peripheral edges of said toe section of said upper folded-over thereunder, and a heel pad covering the underside of said heel section of said liner and being disposed between said heel section of said liner and said peripheral edges of said end portions of said side sections of said upper folded-over thereunder.

5. A shoe as defined in claim 4 wherein said central section of said liner has a shank portion extending forwardly of said heel section and a wider ball portion disposed between said shank portion and said toe section thereof.

6. A shoe as defined in claim 5 and further including an elongate reinforcing member disposed between said compressible member and said sole, said reinforcing member extending under said heel section and shank portion of said lining.

7. A shoe as defined in claim l wherein said upper is formed from two sheet stock blanks, one of said blanks comprising the toe section, one complete side section and the forward portion of the other side section of said body portion, the other of said blanks defining the rear portion of said other side section, said one blank being notched at the junction of said forward section and adjacent portions of said side sections, said forward section of said one blank and the heel portions of both of said blanks having offset protruding peripheral strips extending therealong.

8. A shoe comprising an upper having a toe section and side sections extending rearwardly thereof in spaced relation to one another, and a exible sock lining having .an arrowhead-shaped forward end section, a heel-shaped rear end section, and an elongate central section connecting said forward end section with said rear end section, said side sections of said body being joined together at the rear ends thereof to `define an upstanding heel wall, said side sections having their respective outer edges joined to the respective opposite edg of the central section of said lining, said toe section of said body having the peripheral edges thereof folded under and secured below the outer peripheral edges of said forward end section of said lining to define a toe receiving area above said forward end section of said lining, the lower peripheral edges of the end portions of said side sections of said body adjacent said heel wall being folded under and secured below the outer peripheral edges of said rear end section of said lining, said sidesections of said body when so joined and secured defining side walls extending from said toe receiving area to said upstanding heel wall, said lining having a smooth face defining the inner bottom of said upper.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,784,806 Fried Dec. 9, 1930 2,436,050 Miner Feb. 17, 1948 2,559,609 Foust July 10, 1951 Disclaimer and Dedication 3,036,390.-Jer0me H. Grossmn, Bangor, Maine. LIGHT-WEIGHT SHOE CONSTRUCTION. Patent dated May 29, 1962. Disclaimer and dieation led Sept. 20, 1965, by the inventor and assignee, Penobscot 0e Uompany. Hereby enter this disclaimer and dedication to claims 1 to 8 inclusive, of said. patent.

[OlczlZ Gazette February 8, 1.966.] 

